Ipswich authority to 'press ahead' with creation of new town council
Councillors unanimously approved the plans, final recommendations are expected by July
Ipswich Borough Council is set to press ahead with proposals to create a new town council.
Cllr Bryony Rudkin, Ipswich’s deputy leader, asked councillors on Wednesday to kick off the process of setting up a new town council to cover the borough.
Although the authority currently carries out the duties normally taken up by town and parish councils, upcoming reform means the borough council will cease to exist and be replaced by a bigger unitary authority in May 2028.
Cllr Rudkin’s proposals argued this would mean less effective community governance and a loss of community identity.
Cllr Lynne Mortimer said setting up a town council would allow Ipswich to keep the Ipswich Mayor civic role.
“The role of mayor is central to the town of Ipswich,” said Cllr Mortimer, a former mayor between 2023 and 2024, “it’s a part of our heritage, a part of our history.”
The proposals received support across the board.
Cllr Ian Fisher, the opposition leader, said a new town council would make sure the borough’s identity was not lost.
Services provided by town and parish councils include the management of allotments, parks, cinemas and events, although any duties for the new council will be subject to negotiation.
Setting up the new town council is also key in both of the proposals for local government reform, with Council Tax for any new unitary authority largely dependent on what portion of the tax the town council takes.
The amount of Council Tax it charges will be subject to the duties it takes on.
Councillors unanimously approved the plans, with final recommendations expected by July.